Opal Blog | Travel Guides, Tips & Stories

A man and three children, all wearing swimwear, run and play together on a sandy beach with Sandpearl Resort in the background.

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Best Family Beach Resorts in Florida

Planning a family beach vacation to Florida? From morning splash time to sunset s’mores, Opal Collection offers a variety of beach resorts up and down the coast that take the hassle out of family vacations.

Aerial view of a winding coastal road bordered by dense forest with autumn foliage, rocky cliffs, and waves crashing against the shoreline below.

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Why Mount Desert Island Was Voted America’s Favorite Island

It wasn’t a tropical escape that scored number one in the “Top 15 Islands in the Continental U.S.” list in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards. It was a lobster-claw-shaped piece of land off the craggy coast of Downeast Maine.

The view of Frenchman Bay from Bar Harbor

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A Coveted Coastal New England Road Trip

The beauty of a multi-day, 220-mile road trip up the craggy coast from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Bar Harbor, Maine isn’t just the plethora of enticing pit stops along the route – from high culture to scenic coves. It’s also the way that Opal properties serve as your easy and convenient overnight waypoints for piecing together one epic coastal cruise.

A serene beach scene unfolds in Clearwater, Florida, with a long pier extending into calm, blue waters. Sandy dunes with patches of grass grace the foreground. The clear sky holds a whisper of clouds near the horizon, while small structures dot this idyllic attraction on the pier.

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Must-See Clearwater Florida Attractions You Never Knew About

Think you’ve experienced all of Clearwater Beach? This list of hidden gems might make you think again.

A father and daughter play in the gin-clear waters of Jupiter, Florida.

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6 Best Crystal-Clear Water Beaches in Florida that Rival the Caribbean

You don’t need a passport to frolic in the blue waves identical to what you’d find in everyone’s favorite tropical sea. You just need these favorite Florida beaches.

A family enters the lobby at Hutchinson Island Beach Resort & Spa.

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10 Experiences to Level Up Your Next Opal Escape

Opal Collection resorts and hotels are more than just luxurious places to lay your head. From private chef-led culinary events to hands-on outdoor adventures you’ll be raving about for years to come, here’s how our collection can craft and connect you to indelible experiences that discerning travelers covet.

Whether you're planning where to go next or what to do on an already‑booked vacation, discover the travel destinations with Opal

A couple strolls to the edge of the dock at Lake Placid Lodge at sunset.

Romantic Getaways That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet

If you’re looking for romantic getaways in the United States, we got five worthy – and diversly different – picks in Opal East Coast destinations, just for the two of you.

Fairgrounds St. Pete, The Ringling Museum of Art, and Sea Love candle-making boutique

Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day Across Opal Destinations

As beautiful as the weather is across Opal destinations, rain ultimately happens. That said, you don’t have to let the drops that descend put a damper on your vacation. We highlight top rainy-day activities to dive into.

A key lime pie set on a swirl of garnish.

A Delicious Debate: The Best Key Lime Pie in Key West

There’s no arguing that savoring this silky, sweet, and tart treat is a must-do when in Key West. What is up for debate, however, is the truly proper way to prepare the iconic pie. Luckily, there are a multitude of variations to dig into across the island – including two twists from our Opal resort restaurants – so grab your fork and find out which side of the fence your tastebuds stand.